Iraqi forces attack Camp Ashraf

Conferences

14 February 2012

I believe this is the absolute right of Ashraf residents, to remain in the land where they have turned into beautiful city during the past 26 years. And I will never forget the view of this beautiful city, a great city of Ashraf. And therefore, the transfer to what is called Camp Liberty makes no sense. The flexibility of Mrs. Rajavi and Ashraf residents who have accepted this relocation to peacefully resolve this crisis and forgo their sovereign rights is truly commendable, a measure that rightly makes her deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. Although as a person who comes from the country of the Nobel Prize [applause] I must admit that this is not the only reason why Maryam Rajavi deserves such an honor. However, now that she has accepted what has been imposed we cannot withdraw from the camp’s minimums. No freedom of movement to outside of Camp Liberty, which consists of a small area lacking necessary infrastructure such as drinking water and also lacking adequate living conditions and conduct standards, placing two police stations along with 150 police in this half a kilometer vicinity, considering the presence of 1,000 women in this camp makes the status of this camp even more troubling. If these shortages are not being resolved, this is most definitely not a voluntary relocation. This will be a forced eviction, and forced relocation, and it must not be accepted at all. Do these characteristics provide the standards of human rights and humanitarian rights to which even the memorandum of understanding stresses upon?

By facilitating the conditions regarding the first 400 people, Mrs. Rajavi has taken yet another step, and from this point on it is Mr. Kobler, the United Nations, the European Union and the United States of America, who must act based on their duties. They should either officially resolve these conditions or publicly announce Liberty as unacceptable or we will be forced to expose them. We will not remain silent. On this day of the revolution we can state that a second revolution may be around the corner. Syria, the most stable ally and partner through many years for the regime in Tehran, is about to stumble and fall. We may be about to see a great change taking place.

As usual I see a long line of distinguished speakers and true defenders of Ashraf and democracy for the people of Iran. It is truly delightful and a matter of great pride. I have no doubt that their speeches today will be a sign of strong international support of the resistance and for Ashraf. I thank everyone for their participation and their support. And please, let us now give a full round of applause for all the panel members. [laughs]

And I’m pleased to introduce our first speaker tonight, the mayor of the Paris First District, Mayor Jean Francois Legaret. [applause]

…

Ending Part of his Speech

RISE: Thank you very much, Director John Sano. I would like to summarize as we are closing here now the most important points from the speeches today. Point number one, relocation can only be accepted if minimum assurances for safety and security of the residents is provided. Point two, Camp Liberty under present condition is not acceptable. Point three, relocation can only be accepted with respect for the dignity of the residents. And point number four, Ambassador Kobler should preserve the rights of the residents and not give in to demands of the Iraqi government. [applause]

Finally, I would like to extend a special thanks to each one of the speakers. Some of you traveled long, half the globe some of you, and some of you have very busy schedules and you took the time to get here. Thank you very much. [applause] And a special thank you to the three of you who kept the time frame. There were three who did that. [laughter] Thank you to each one of you in the audience here. Some of you came a long way as well. [applause] We are very thankful that you this way express your love for freedom and democracy and your love for your country and for the people of Iran. Thank you very much for coming here.

And then I would like to say thank you very specially to each one of you in Camp Ashraf listening to this program. [applause] The whole crowd here in Paris greets you. Thank you for your courage and your perseverance. We wish that you will experience true liberty soon. I also want to thank those of you watching this program inside Iran. You are brave. There are millions of you, and know this, we will stand together with you side by side until freedom reigns in Iran. [applause] Finally, thank you very much President Madame Rajavi for your leadership, for your tireless effort and for the love you express towards all people. We love you very much. Thank you very much. [applause]